Most states follow the country's lead with a $7.25 minimum wage. According to the Economic Policy Institute, if the federal minimum wage accounted for the actual growth of the economy it should be at $19.33 an hour now.

To address the minimum wage issue, 18 states increased their minimum wages at the start of 2018 to keep up with the growing cost of living and the current state with the highest minimum wage is Washington, at $11.50 an hour.

If you're planning a move to the state with the best-earning potential, the actual highest minimum wage is in the nation's capital. Though not a state itself, DC's minimum wage is the highest at $13.25 an hour.

North Carolina: $7.25.

Kentucky: $7.25.

Oklahoma: $7.25/$2.00.

Employers of 10 or more full time employees at any one location and employers with annual gross sales over $100,000 irrespective of number of full time employees are subject to federal minimum wage; all others are subject to state minimum wage of $2.00

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New Hampshire: None, but recognizes the federal minimum wage of $7.25.

West Virginia: $8.75.

South Dakota: $8.85.

Nebraska: $9.00.

Michigan: $9.25.

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Minimum wage: $9.25.

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Minnesota: $9.65.

Krivit / Meet Minneapolis

Minimum wage: $9.65.

For large employers, with an annual sales volume of $500,000 or more, the minimum wage is currently $9.50; for small employers, those with an annual sales volume of less than $500,000, the minimum wage is $7.75.

Maryland: $10.10.

Hawaii: $10.10.

Connecticut: $10.10.

The Connecticut minimum wage rate automatically increases to 1/2 of 1% above the rate set in the Fair Labor Standards Act if the Federal minimum wage rate equals or becomes higher than the State minimum.

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Colorado: $10.20.

Boulder.
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Minimum wage: $10.20.

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New York: $10.40.

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Minimum wage: $10.40.

This, however, varies across the state based on geographical location and, in New York City, employer size.